By RONDA GREGORY
News & Journal Staff Writer
Celebrity wedding expert extraordinaire and West Virginia native Monte Durham of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” will be back in Morgantown again this year as special guest at the 4th annual Elite Bridal Showcase.
Produced by Sensational Images Studios & Entertainment, the event will take place at the Ramada Morgantown Conference Center at 20 Scott Ave. from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19.
Durham will be on hand to meet and mingle with guests and to host the signature fashion show, this year coordinated by Morgantown’s bridal shop Coni & Franc, from 4-5 p.m.
Just prior to the entertaining and exciting procession of gown after gown, Durham will present some great advice to brides-to-be on “everything wedding”.
“From choosing the perfect dress to how to pose for wedding photos to floral arrangements, Monte will present information about all the smallest details of their wedding,” said Daniel Biggs, owner and photographer of Sensational Images Studios & Entertainment who is the producer of the showcase. “The event guests will want to come ready to learn.”
Biggs said Durham really enjoys meeting everyone and is very gracious about posing for photos: “He will go above and beyond, especially because West Virginia is his home state.”
The event, sponsored by Dan Ryan Builders and Coni & Franc, will feature 60 top area wedding professionals who display their wedding products and services – every niche will be represented. Photography, wedding attire, reception entertainments and needs, foods, gifts – everything a bride and groom will need for their big day… and many things for after.
“This is a one-stop shop,” said Biggs. “Brides … and grooms … can come out and plan all multi-aspects of their wedding day at one convenient location. The wedding professionals will be offering discounts and special incentives, so it’s a great time to book the details of your wedding.”
The top give-away is a chance to win an all-inclusive honeymoon in Mexico at the Hardrock Hotel Riviera Maya, sponsored by Clarksburg Travel Services.
Those attending will also have multi-chances to win door prizes – from Mary Kay make-up to Tupperware to photography packages. All will receive free vendor samples as gifts and souvenirs as well.
Yes, grooms-to-be are welcome, too, Biggs said. But to be true to tradition and keep their eyes from seeing the dress prior to the wedding, the event will provide a private area for brides-to-be to try on their potential wedding gowns at a bridal shop area.
Biggs stated he doesn’t want to reveal all the details of the showcase; it’s more fun to be surprised by some of the festivities they have planned.
In keeping with Durham’s TV show title – but taking it a bit further – Biggs says to those brides-to-be attending: “You can “say ‘yes’ to everything you’ll need for your wedding day”.
For more information about the event, call (304) 804-4848; or send an email to info@elitebridalshow.com.
And you can also visit elitebridalshow.com to purchase tickets or for information. VIP tickets at $25 can only be purchased online and entitle a guest to a private meet-and-greet with Durham and a guaranteed seat at the fashion show. General admission is $7 pre-purchased or $10 at the door.
